Thursday, September 5, 2013

Luxury handbag and leather goods company Anya Hindmarch launched their lovely boutique on the Upper East Side of Manhattan yesterday. I always thought of the brand as forward and stylish. However, the boutique put much more focus on quality, antiques and traditional craftsmanship.

The hand-pressed techniques of customizing your goods were the highlight. Artisan John Stalley has been the master of this for many years at the London store. He was brought to New York to train a new generation in old school skills.

As classic as the overall aesthetic appeared, it certainly did not take itself too seriously. Cheeky phrases were hand-embossed into fine grain leather. Artistic fonts were unusual color combinations were paired with rich hues.

Guests left with a literal "pop-up" store, which was a printed cardboard version of the boutique that popped into three-dimensional shape when you pulled it out of the envelope. A swatch of English heather and a lucky penny also graced our farewells. Those who needed a treat were handed a freshly made pretzel on the sidewalk.

This boutique proved that old-world luxury does not have to be stuffy. Now what is your favorite way to marry the old with the new?